Cleaning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cleaning system includes a base element, a cleaning element coupled to the base element, wherein a surface of the cleaning element includes an adhesive material, and a removable cover having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the removable cover covers the cleaning element and is engaged with a first end of the base element. In the second position, the removable cover does not cover the cleaning element and is engaged with a second end of the base element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This Invention relates to a device for cleaning various surfaces and more particularly to a small, compact device having a cleaning element with an adhesive surface which is contained within a housing.

PRIOR ART

Cleaning devices which employ a cleaning element enclosed within a housing are known. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,542,774; 2,658,217; 3,381,325; 4,979,257; 5,333,341; 7,213,291; D281,654; and D539,545. Typically, these cleaning devices are for lint and employ a cover that can act as a handle which extends from the housing in the open position.

BACKGROUND

Devices used to clean various surfaces and remove contaminants and debris such as dust, lint, powder, ash, and grease marks are known. Many existing devices require the use of liquids, sticky tape, siloxane tacky elastomers, and wet brushes or cloths. Also, double rolling reverse wound adhesive tape rollers in combination with silicone rollers of limited tackiness have been used for cleaning various surfaces. However, adhesive tape rollers require tape replacement and can leave sticky residue on the surfaces which the roller is used to clean. Moreover, silicone rollers have a limited tackiness and a firm durometer of greater than 40. Yet another problem associated with existing cleaning devices is inconvenience. Often, when a person is in need of such a cleaning device, no appropriate cleaning device is readily available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment, a cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a base element, a cleaning element coupled to the base element, wherein a surface of the cleaning element includes an adhesive material, and a removable cover having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the removable cover covers the cleaning element and is engaged with a first end of the base element. In the second position, the removable cover does not cover the cleaning element and is engaged with a second end of the base element.

In one embodiment, the cleaning system further includes a stick element disposed between the base element and the cleaning element, wherein a first end of the stick element is attached to the base element and a second end of the stick element is attached to the cleaning element.

In one embodiment, the cleaning element is rotatably attached to the stick element. In another embodiment, the stick element is rotatably attached to the base element.

In another embodiment, the housing and the removable cover include a plastic material.

In another embodiment, the adhesive material includes an elastomeric material.

In another embodiment, a length of the cleaning system is between approximately 2 and 4 inches, when the removable cover is in the first position, measured from an end of the base element to an end of the removable cover. A width of the cleaning system is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches. A length of the cleaning element is between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches. A width of the cleaning element is approximately 0.5 inches.

In another embodiment, the cleaning element has a shape of a truncated ellipsoid.

In another embodiment, the cleaning system includes a rod element attached to the stick element, the rod element having a cylindrical portion having a first width and an end portion having a second width greater than the first width. The cleaning element includes a channel having a first channel portion and a second channel portion, the second channel portion being wider than the first channel portion. The cylindrical portion of the rod element fits within the first channel portion, and the end portion fits within the second channel portion.

In another embodiment, the second channel portion further comprises a hollow space defining a hole at an end of the cleaning element.

In accordance with another embodiment, a system for cleaning a surface is provided. The system includes a housing comprising an opening at an end and a slot on a side, a stick element disposed within the housing, a cleaning element rotatably attached to the stick element, a surface of the cleaning element comprising an adhesive material, and an actuator disposed on an exterior of the housing, the actuator joined to the stick element, the actuator adapted to move within the slot from a first position to a second position. Movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes a portion of the cleaning element to exit from the housing, via the opening, and protrude from the opening. The cleaning element may then be rolled across a selected surface to remove contaminants from the surface.

In one embodiment, the system further includes a rotatable cap adapted to cover the opening when the actuator is in the first position, and to rotate away from the opening to allow the portion of the cleaning element to exit from the housing when the actuator is in the second position.

In another embodiment, the housing, the stick element, and the actuator include a plastic material.

In another embodiment, the adhesive material includes an elastomeric material.

In one embodiment, the cleaning element includes a truncated ellipsoid.

In another embodiment, a length of the cleaning system is between approximately 2 and 4 inches, measured from a first end to a second end of the housing. A width of the cleaning system is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches. A length of the cleaning element is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches. A width of the cleaning element is approximately 0.5 inches.

These and other aspects of the present Invention may be more readily understood by reference to one or more of the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B show a cleaning system of the present Invention in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIGS. 2A-2B show a cleaning system of the present Invention in accordance with another embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3C show a cleaning system of the present Invention in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows components of a cleaning system in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 5A-5B show a cleaning system of the present Invention in accordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment, a compact, convenient, easy-to-use cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system may be used to remove contaminants from any surface. For example, the cleaning system may be used to clean the surface of a cell phone, a lens of a pair of glasses, etc.

FIGS. 1A-1B shows a cleaning system in accordance with an embodiment. Dotted lines represent hidden edges and surfaces. Cleaning system 100 includes a housing 8 having a rotatable cap 18 on one end of housing 18. Housing 8 holds a movable stick element and cleaning element 15; cleaning element 15 is rotatably attached to one end of movable stick 12. Housing 8 includes a slot 21 in which is disposed a movable actuator 23. A portion of movable actuator 23 is disposed on the exterior of housing 8; however, movable actuator is further disposed within slot 21 such that movable actuator 23 may move back and forth within slot 21 from a first position (A) at a first end of slot 21 to a second position (B) at a second end of slot 21, and back.

Movable stick 12 is attached to movable actuator 23 such that when movable actuator 23 moves within slot 21, movable stick 12 also moves in a corresponding manner. For example, movable stick 12 and movable actuator 23 may be joined by an element (such as, e.g., a pin, a molded plastic element, etc.) that fits in, and slides within, slot 21. The portion of movable actuator 23 disposed on the exterior of housing 8 is adapted to move in response to pressure applied by a human finger. For example, movable actuator may include an outer surface with ridges, grooves, or bumps to enable a human finger to grip and apply pressure to the actuator.

In FIG. 1A, rotatable cap 18 is in a closed position. In accordance with an embodiment, rotatable cap 18 may be rotated into an open position, as shown in FIG. 1B. After cap 18 is opened, an opening 33 is exposed at one end of housing 8, allowing cleaning element 15 to exit from housing 8. Movable actuator 23 may be moved within slot toward opening 33. As movable actuator 23 moves toward opening 33 (e.g. from position (A) toward position (B)), movable stick 12 and cleaning element 15 also move in the same direction, causing at least a portion of cleaning element 15 to exit from housing 8, via opening 33, and to protrude from opening 33. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, a substantial portion of cleaning element 15 protrudes from housing 8 when movable actuator 23 is in position (B).

Thus, FIG. 1A illustrates cleaning system 100 when cleaning element 15 is in a stowed state (stored in housing 8); FIG. 1B illustrates cleaning system 100 when cleaning element 15 is in an exposed state (protruding from housing 8).

In one embodiment, cleaning element is a truncated ellipsoid. At least a portion of the surface of cleaning element 15 includes an adhesive material, such as, for example, an elastomeric material. Other components, including housing 8, movable stick 12, and movable actuator 23, may include a hard plastic material, for example.

Cleaning element 15 of cleaning system 100 may be used to clean contaminants from any object. For example, cleaning element 15 may be used to clean the lenses of a pair of glasses, the surface of a cell phone screen, etc. Because cleaning element 15 is rotatably attached to one end of movable stick 12, when a user moves cleaning system 100 at a close distance above a selected surface, cleaning element 15 contacts and rolls along the selected surface, and the adhesive exterior of cleaning element 15 picks up contaminants from the surface.

Advantageously, cleaning system 100 is compact and may be stored conveniently in a pocket, purse, etc., to ensure that cleaning system 100 is readily available when the user has a need for it.

For example, suppose that a particular user regularly keeps cleaning system 100 in her purse. Suppose further that the user is walking along a street and finds that one of the lenses of her glasses is smudged, interfering with her vision. The user accordingly retrieves cleaning system 100 from her purse and opens cap 18. The user pushes movable actuator 23 from position (A) toward position (B) (e.g., toward opening 33), causing at least a portion of cleaning element 15 to exit via opening 33 of housing 8, as shown in FIG. 1B. The user now moves cleaning element 15 back and forth on the lens of her glasses to remove the smudge and clean the lens. After cleaning the lens, the user pushes movable actuator 23 back toward position (A) (away from opening 33), causing cleaning element 15 to move back into housing 8. The user then closes cap 18 and places cleaning system 100 back into her purse.

In an embodiment, cleaning system 100 is between approximately 2 and 4 inches long (measured from one end of housing 8 to the opposite end of housing 8, with cap 18 in a closed position), and between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches wide. Cleaning element 15 is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches long and approximately 0.5 inches wide. Other sizes may be used.

In accordance with another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B, a cleaning system 200 includes a base element 205, a stick element 212, a cleaning element 215, and a removable cover 207. Cleaning element 215 is coupled to base element 205 by stick 212. Specifically, an end of base element 205 is joined to a first end of stick 212. A second end of stick 212 is joined to cleaning element 215. In other embodiments, cleaning element 215 may be coupled to base element 205 in a different manner.

In one embodiment, cleaning element 215 is a truncated ellipsoid.

In one embodiment, cleaning element 215 is rotatably attached to stick element 212. In another embodiment, stick element 212 is rotatably attached to base element 205. Accordingly, when a user moves cleaning system 200 at a distance close to a selected surface, cleaning element 215 rolls along the selected surface and removes contaminants from the surface.

FIG. 2A shows a cleaning system 200 in a closed state with removable cover 207 in a first position. In the first position, removable cover 207 encloses and protects cleaning element 215. In the first position, removable cover 207 is engaged with a first end of base element 205 closest to cleaning element 215.

Referring to FIG. 2B, removable cover 207 may be removed, inverted, and placed on a second end of base element 205 opposite cleaning element 215. Thus, FIG. 2B shows cleaning system 200 in an open state with removable cover 207 in the second position. In the second position, removable cover 207 is engaged with the second end of base element 205.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of cleaning element 215 includes an adhesive material, such as, for example, an elastomeric material. Other components, including base element 205, stick 212, and removable cover 207, may include a hard plastic material, for example.

In an embodiment, cleaning system 200 is between approximately 2 and 4 inches long when in the first (closed) position, measured from an end of base element 205 to an end of removable cover 207, and between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches wide. Cleaning element 215 is between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches long and approximately 0.5 inches wide. Other sizes may be used.

Advantageously, cleaning system 200 may be stored conveniently and used when needed. Suppose that a user keeps cleaning system 200 in his pocket while riding on a train. Suppose further that the user finds that his cell phone screen is dirty and wishes to clean the screen. The user retrieves cleaning system 200 from his pocket. Because cleaning system 200 is in the closed state, the user removes cover 207 from its first position (covering cleaning element 215) and places it in its second position on the opposite end of base element 205. The user then employs cleaning element 215 to clean his cell phone screen. When the user is finished cleaning the cell phone screen, the user once again places cover 207 in its first position (covering cleaning element 215).

In accordance with another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, a cleaning system 300 includes a first base element 301, a second base element 303, and a third base element 305. Second base element 303 is wider in diameter than first and third base elements 301, 305. Cleaning system 300 also includes a stick element 312, a cleaning element 315 coupled to stick element 312, and a removable cover 307. Cleaning element 315 is coupled to first base element 301 by stick element 312. Specifically, an end of first base element 301 is joined to a first end of stick element 312. A second end of stick element 312 is joined to cleaning element 315. In other embodiments, cleaning element 315 may be coupled to first base element 301 in a different manner.

In one embodiment, cleaning element 315 is a truncated ellipsoid.

In one embodiment, cleaning element 315 is rotatably attached to stick element 312. In another embodiment, stick element 312 is rotatably attached to first base element 301. Accordingly, when a user moves cleaning system 300 at a distance close to a selected surface, cleaning element 315 rolls along the selected surface and removes contaminants from the surface.

FIG. 3A shows cleaning system 300 in a closed state with removable cover 307 in a first position. In the first position, removable cover 307 encloses and protects cleaning element 315. In the first position, removable cover 307 is engaged with and covers first base element 301. Because second base element 303 is wider in diameter than first base element 301, removable cover 307 fits over and covers first base element 301 but stops at second base element 303.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, removable cover 307 may be removed and separated from first base element 301 and cleaning element 315.

Referring to FIG. 3C, after removable cover 307 has been removed, removable cover 307 may be inverted, and placed in a second position in which it is fitted onto third base element 305 opposite cleaning element 315. Thus, FIG. 3C shows cleaning system 300 in an open state with removable cover 307 in the second position. In the second position, removable cover 307 is engaged with third base element 305. Because second base element 303 is wider in diameter than third base element 305, removable cover 307 fits over and covers third base element 305 but stops at second base element 303.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of cleaning element 315 includes an adhesive material, such as, for example, an elastomeric material. Other components, including first, second, and third base elements 301, 303, 305, stick element 312, and removable cover 307, may include a hard plastic material, for example.

In an embodiment, cleaning system 300 is between approximately 2 and 4 inches long when in the first (closed) position, measured from an end of third base element 305 to an end of removable cover 307, and between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches wide. Cleaning element 315 is between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches long and approximately 0.5 inches wide. Other sizes may be used.

Cleaning element 315 of cleaning system 300 may be used to clean contaminants from any object. For example, cleaning element 315 may be used to clean the lenses of a pair of glasses, the surface of a cell phone screen, etc. Because cleaning element 315 is rotatably attached to one end of movable stick 312, when a user moves cleaning system 300 at a close distance above a selected surface, cleaning element 315 contacts and rolls along the selected surface, and the adhesive exterior of cleaning element 315 picks up contaminants from the surface.

Advantageously, cleaning system 300 is compact and may be stored conveniently in a pocket, purse, etc., to ensure that cleaning system 300 is readily available when the user has a need for it.

In accordance with an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, cleaning element 315 is disposed on and rotates on a rod element 340 that extends from stick element 312. Rod element 340 has a cylindrical body portion 343 and an end portion 345. Body portion 343 extends from stick element 312 and has a first width. End portion 345 has a second width that is greater than the first width.

A hollow channel extends through cleaning element 315, from one end to the other end of cleaning element 315. The hollow channel includes a first channel portion 330 and a second channel portion 335. The first channel portion 330 fits around the cylindrical body portion 343 of rod element 340. The second channel portion 335 is wider than first channel portion 330 and fits around end portion 345 of rod element 340. End portion 345 is larger in width than first channel portion 330; as a result, cleaning element 315 is secured onto rod element 340. Furthermore, cleaning element 315 rotates on rod element 340.

In the illustrative embodiment, end portion 345 of rod element 340 does not fill the entire volume of the second channel portion 335; as a result, a hollow space 332 and a hole 324 are defined at the end of cleaning element 315. Advantageously, the edges of hole 324 facilitate the cleaning of a desired object. In one embodiment, hole 324 has a diameter equal to the diameter of channel portion 335; in another embodiment, hole 324 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of channel portion 335. Other diameters are possible.

In accordance with another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, a cleaning system 500 includes a first base element 501, a second base element 503, and a third base element 505. Cleaning system 500 also includes a stick element 512, a cleaning element 515 coupled to stick element 512, and a removable cover 507.

FIG. 5A shows cleaning system 500 in an open state with removable cover 507 engaged with third base element 505.

Referring to FIG. 5B, cleaning element 515 is disposed on and rotates on a rod element 540 that extends from stick element 512. Rod element 540 has a cylindrical body portion 543 and an end portion 545. Body portion 543 extends from stick element 512 and has a first width. End portion 545 has a second width that is greater than the first width.

A hollow channel extends through cleaning element 515, from one end to the other end of cleaning element 515. The hollow channel includes a first channel portion 530 and a second channel portion 535. The first channel portion 530 fits around the cylindrical body portion 543 of rod element 540. The second channel portion 535 is wider than first channel portion 530 and fits around end portion 545 of rod element 540. End portion 545 is larger in width than first channel portion 530; as a result, cleaning element 515 is secured onto rod element 540. Furthermore, cleaning element 515 rotates on rod element 540.

In the illustrative embodiment, end portion 545 of rod element 540 fills most or substantially all of the volume of the second channel portion 535. A hole 524 is defined at the end of cleaning element 515. Hole 524 is smaller in diameter than the diameter of channel portion 535.

In various embodiments, the surface of removable cover (e.g., removable cover 207, 307 or 507) may be of any color. Furthermore, the surface of the removable cover may be opaque, clear, transparent, or translucent, and/or have any desired design or pattern of colors.

In order to clean cleaning element 15 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1 b), cleaning element 215 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2B), cleaning element 315 (shown in FIGS. 3A-3C), or cleaning element 515 (shown in FIGS. 5A-5B), the cleaning element may be washed with water. There is no need for chemicals to clean the cleaning element. Thus, the cleaning element can be placed under tap water to clean and is then reusable. The tacky surface is then ready for further use.

The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as being in every respect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not to be determined from the Detailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpreted according to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are only illustrative of the principles of the present invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art could implement various other feature combinations without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning system comprising: a base element; a cleaning element coupled to the base element, a surface of the cleaning element comprising an adhesive material; and a removable cover having a first position and a second position, wherein: in the first position, the removable cover covers the cleaning element and is engaged with a first end of the base element; and in the second position, the removable cover does not cover the cleaning element and is engaged with a second end of the base element.
 2. The cleaning system of claim 1, further comprising a stick element disposed between the base element and the cleaning element, wherein a first end of the stick element is attached to the base element and a second end of the stick element is coupled to the cleaning element.
 3. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the housing and the removable cover comprise a plastic material.
 4. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the adhesive material comprises an elastomeric material.
 5. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: a length of the cleaning system is between approximately 2 and 4 inches, when the removable cover is in the first position, measured from an end of the base element to an end of the removable cover; a width of the cleaning system is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches; a length of the cleaning element is between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches; and a width of the cleaning element is approximately 0.5 inches.
 6. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the cleaning element is rotatably attached to the stick element.
 7. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the stick element is rotatably attached to the base element.
 8. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning element comprises a truncated ellipsoid.
 9. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: a rod element is coupled to the base element, the rod element having a cylindrical portion having a first width and an end portion having a second width greater than the first width; the cleaning element comprises a channel having a first channel portion and a second channel portion, the second channel portion being wider than the first channel portion; the cylindrical portion fits within the first channel portion; and the end portion fits within the second channel portion.
 10. The cleaning system of claim 9, wherein the second channel portion further comprises a hollow space defining a hole at a third end of the cleaning element.
 11. A system for cleaning a surface, comprising: a housing comprising an opening at an end and a slot on a side; a stick element disposed within the housing; a cleaning element attached to the stick element, a surface of the cleaning element comprising an adhesive material; and an actuator disposed on an exterior of the housing, the actuator joined to the stick element, the actuator adapted to move within the slot from a first position to a second position; wherein movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes a portion of the cleaning element to exit from the housing, via the opening, and protrude from the opening.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a rotatable cap adapted to cover the opening when the actuator is in the first position and rotate away from the opening to allow the portion of the cleaning element to exit from the housing when the actuator is in the second position.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the housing, the stick element, and the actuator comprise a plastic material.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the adhesive material comprises an elastomeric material.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein: a length of the cleaning system is between approximately 2 and 4 inches, measured from a first end to a second end of the housing; a width of the cleaning system is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches; a length of the cleaning element is between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches; and a width of the cleaning element is approximately 0.5 inches.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the cleaning element is rotatably attached to the stick element.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the cleaning element comprises a truncated ellipsoid. 